2018 Karaka Million race card confirmed
THE Auckland Racing Club and New Zealand Bloodstock have announced the eagerly-awaited changes to the Karaka Million race programme.
Six races will be run on Karaka Million night, January 27 2018, and there is now two featured $1 million races.
The 2YO Karaka Million (1200m) is now co-featured with the Karaka Million 3YO (1600m) and the Auckland Racing Club’s new executive general manager Craig Baker is excited about the new changes.
“The ARC and NZB are thrilled with the programme for the Karaka Million Twilight Meeting, which includes two $1 million races plus four group races,” Baker said.
“The night will be a great prelude to the 92nd National Yearling Sales Series, which commences on Sunday, 28 January 2018.”
The twilight meeting also includes the $100,000 Group 2 Westbury Classic, Group 3 City Of Auckland Cup, Concorde Handicap and the Mr Tiz Trophy.
Other key changes have been made to the yearly programme at Ellerslie:
* Mufhasa Stakes moves from December 9 to March 3 (New Zealand Derby day) and replaces the Mr Tiz Trophy
* Avondale Cup moves from February 17 to January 1 to replace the City Of Auckland Cup
* Bonecrusher Stakes from from 30th September to December 9 to replace Mufhasa Stakes
* Nathans Memorial now becomes a lead-up race to the Auckland Cup on March 10.
* The Karaka Stayers’ Cup will be moved from Karaka Million night to January 14.